Setting Up and Managing 3PL for Better Scalability
For scaling brands that aren’t yet ready to invest in their own warehouse or fulfilment infrastructure, partnering with a 3PL can dramatically improve efficiency, unlock growth opportunities, and streamline operations without sacrificing control.
1 - Why Use a 3PL? A Smart Move for Scaling Ecommerce Brands
As ecommerce brands grow, so do their operational demands. Many scaling businesses struggle with warehousing, fulfilment, and shipping without the infrastructure or resources to manage them effectively. That’s where Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers step in.
Partnering with a 3PL allows you to offload complex logistics while focusing on the core drivers of your growth—product, marketing, and customer experience.
2 - Benefits of Using a 3PL for Scaling
A well-chosen 3PL can dramatically improve how your business operates at scale.
Efficient Use of Internal Resources
Handing off logistics functions like warehousing, packing, and dispatch allows your in-house team to zero in on what they do best—building the brand, developing new products, and increasing customer acquisition.
Save Time and Reduce Complexity
3PLs bring deep expertise and systems to fulfilment, reducing the need for internal trial and error. This streamlines your operations and saves countless hours across your team.
Enable Strategic Growth and Global Expansion
At Auvie Consultants, we often recommend 3PL services to brands preparing for international growth. Many 3PLs have multiple warehouses worldwide, letting you store stock closer to your customers and scale with confidence.
3 - How to Maintain Oversight While Using a 3PL
Using a 3PL doesn’t mean handing over control. Maintaining oversight ensures quality, consistency, and alignment with your customer experience.
Set Clear Operational Guidelines
Provide your 3PL with detailed packaging and fulfilment instructions. Outline how returns should be handled, what quality checks to perform, and any other critical steps to match your brand standards.
Keep Communication Lines Open
Establish a routine for check-ins or status meetings. This allows you to stay up to date on logistics performance, raise issues early, and collaborate to optimise processes.
Monitor the Right KPIs
Track fulfilment metrics like:
- Order accuracy rate
- Average delivery time
- Return processing time
- Inventory turnover
These help you evaluate 3PL performance and make decisions grounded in data.
Pro Tip – Use Dashboards or Custom Reports
Integrate your ecommerce platform or ERP with your 3PL’s system to create real-time dashboards. This gives you immediate visibility without micromanaging the provider.
4 - How to Choose the Right 3PL Partner
Not all 3PLs are created equal. The right partner should align with your operations, values, and growth plans.
Strategic Warehouse Locations
Choose a 3PL with warehouses near your customer base. For Australian brands expanding internationally, look for providers with strong coverage in the US, EU, and Southeast Asia.
Comprehensive Service Offerings
Evaluate whether the 3PL can support your current and future logistics needs, including:
- Domestic and international freight
- Express or economy fulfilment
- Cold storage or fragile item handling
- Returns management
Seamless Tech Integration
Ensure your 3PL integrates smoothly with your existing stack—Shopify, WooCommerce, NetSuite, or your preferred ERP. Look for:
- Real-time inventory sync
- Order tracking
- API access
- Automated shipping updates
Conclusion – Is It Time to Bring on a 3PL?
If you're shipping hundreds (or thousands) of orders per month and struggling to manage fulfilment in-house, it’s time to consider outsourcing.
By partnering with a trusted 3PL, ecommerce brands can:
- Free up internal resources
- Speed up fulfilment times
- Expand into new markets faster
- Focus on what really moves the needle
Done right, 3PLs become a force multiplier—not just a service provider.
Partner with Auvie Consultants to Optimise Your Operations and Scale Your Business!
Whether you're an ecommerce brand, a traditional business, or an SMB, Auvie Consultants is here to help. Our expertise in logistics optimisation, supply chain management, and operational efficiency ensures your business is equipped to reduce costs, streamline processes, and achieve scalable growth.
Let us transform your operations — so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.
